Monday May 20 Ag News

Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Set for July 11

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is excited to offer the fourth annual 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, near Mead, Nebraska.

The 4Rs is a nutrient management and water stewardship approach that emphasizes fertilizer use with the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizers. This science-based approach focuses on the best nutrient management practices and sustainable crop production, increasing crop yield and farmer’s profit while protecting the environment.

This year’s 4Rs field day also include demonstration on the newly developed web-based N tool, designed to increase efficiency of nitrogen use, as well as ease of record-keeping.

Speakers from University of Nebraska–Lincoln and USDA NRCS will be presenting the following topics related to 4Rs Nitrogen management strategies to improve crop yield and profits while protecting the environment.

2024 Agenda
    8:30 – 9 a.m.: Registration and light breakfast (provided)
    9 – 9:05 a.m.: Introduction — Javed Iqbal, assistant professor of soil nutrient management and water quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    9:05 – 9:10 a.m.: Scratch Card Activity — Nathan Mueller, water and cropping systems extension educator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    9:10 – 9:30 a.m.: The Future of Nitrogen Management in Nebraska — Richard Ferguson, keynote speaker and professor of soil and water sciences, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    9:30 – 9:50 a.m.: Performance of Enhance Efficiency Fertilizers — Javed Iqbal
    9:50 – 10:20 a.m.: Digital UNL Nitrogen Calculator Demonstration and Activity — Javed Iqbal and Nathan Mueller
    10:20 – 10:30 a.m.: Break
    10:30 – 11 a.m.: Performance of Biological Products — TBD
    11 – 11:40 a.m.: Farmer panel discussion on 4Rs of nitrogen management
    11:40 a.m. – Noon: 4Rs Cost-Share Funds and Process — Corey Brubaker, USDA NRCS state conservation agronomist
    Noon – 12:05 p.m.: Scratch Card Activity — Nathan Mueller
    12:05 – 12:55 p.m.: Lunch (provided)
    1 – 3 p.m.: Afternoon Session – Nutrient Management Demonstration in the Field
        Location A (one hour): Performance of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers and Pivot Bio
        Location B (one hour): Drone Demonstration for Improved Nitrogen Management
    3 p.m.: Adjourn

The event counts as 4.5 CEUs on nutrient management. Attendance at the event will count toward Lower Platte North NRD nitrogen certification.

The field day is free, but registration is required for participation. More information is on the 4Rs Field Day page https://agronomy.unl.edu/4rs-nutrient-stewardship-field-day.

For more information, contact Javed Iqbal, extension specialist and assistant professor of agronomy, at 402-472-1432.



Nebraska Extension Offers Part 107 Drone Test Prep Courses for Summer 2024

During the months of June, July and August 2024, Nebraska Extension will be offering one-day (eight hour) courses across the state to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. This exam is required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications.

“The Part 107 Test Prep Course has been very successful, and students have been doing very well,” said Dr. Dirk Charlson, statewide extension educator of digital ag and course instructor, referring to the same course offered in early 2024. “Students have been sharing with me their successes of passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam with scores in the upper 80% to 90%’s.”

To pass the FAA written exam, students only need to answer 70% or more of the questions correctly.

During the months of January through March, Charlson taught this course across the state at six locations from the Nebraska Panhandle to Lincoln. The course had a total attendance of 87 students, who represented a mix of backgrounds from growers, educators, real estate accessors, professional photographers, and individuals involved in emergency management. In addition to Nebraska, students traveled from several states to attend, including Wyoming, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.

This course covers aviation topics such as regulations, airspace, radio communication, weather, aircraft performance, and other basic aviation concepts necessary to pass the Part 107 knowledge exam. The exam is taken at an FAA designated location and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Courses are available to the public. Aviation experience is not essential to be successful in the course. The course will be offered at seven locations across the state from June through August, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time:
    June 7 — UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Educator Center, 4502 Ave. I, Scottsbluff.
    June 14 — Syracuse Public Library, 480 Fifth St., Syracuse.
    June 21 — Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Hwy 34, Grand Island.
    June 28 — Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W. Scott St., Beatrice.
    July 10 — Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center, 76025 Rd. 329, Grant.
    Aug. 8 — Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St., Fremont.
    Aug. 16 — UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Rd., North Platte.

Registration is available online https://cvent.me/x1AQD2 for each location. Pre-registration is required with a $275 registration fee. Study materials, and light breakfast and lunch will be provided. An educational discount is available to students and educators through an application process available on the registration link.

Please contact Dirk Charlson for more information on this course at 402-460-0742 (text or call).



Flame Weeding Workshop on Aug. 22 at ENREEC

Propane-fueled flame weeding is used in organic farming and interest in it is increasing among conventional producers due to increased weed resistance to herbicides and the costs of GMO crop seed.

A full-day Flame Weeding Workshop will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska. University teams led by Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture and extension weed management specialist, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical and material engineering, will present data from 10 years of research that resulted in 20 scientific publications, 100 abstracts and the development of new flaming equipment.

Attendees will learn how to do proper flaming to control over 10 major Midwestern weeds in seven agronomic crops — field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower, alfalfa and wheat.

The workshop includes presentations and/or demonstrations on:
    Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data.
    Research on winter annual weed control with flaming.
    Four-row commercial type flamers with hoods for broadcast and banded flaming (demonstrations).
    Inter-row cultivation and intra-row flaming combined in a single operation.

In addition, several local organic farmers will share about their experiences with flame weeding.

The cost is $150 per registration (includes lunch and one Flame Weeding Manual) and $10 for a spouse/co-work's meal.

Please register online by Thursday, Aug. 1. Directions to the site, accommodation information, and a video about the university’s flame weeding research is available on the Flame Weeding Workshop page https://agronomy.unl.edu/flame-weeding-workshop.

Partial scholarships may be available to certified organic farmers from Nebraska. For more information, contact Stevan Knezevic at 402-584-3808.



Exploring Carbon Farming Programs with Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau is hosting an informative webinar on the growing trend of carbon farming. Scheduled for May 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM CST, the event will feature Dr. Alejandro Plastina, an Associate Professor and Extension Economist from Iowa State University's Department of Economics.

This webinar aims to update farmers on the current status of soil carbon farming programs. Attendees will learn about the potential benefits and costs of participating in these programs and gain insights into the essential questions they should consider before enrolling.

The discussion will delve into how participation in carbon farming programs might interact with other emerging carbon initiatives, such as insets, tax credits like SAF or 45Z, and the "supply shed" approach. These insights will help farmers understand the economic implications and potential impacts on their bottom line.

Dr. Alejandro Plastina, known for his expertise in agricultural economics, will lead the session. His insights are expected to provide valuable guidance on the short- and long-term economic aspects of these programs. For more information or to register, please contact Zach Brummer, Farmer Education Program Manager at Iowa Farm Bureau, at zbrummer@ifbf.org.



Thompson Releases Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement after releasing text of the 2024 Farm Bill:

"The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 is the product of extensive feedback from stakeholders and all Members of the House, and is responsive to the needs of farm country through the incorporation of hundreds of bipartisan policies. The release of this draft is a significant step forward in a years-long, deliberative process. The markup is one step in a greater House process, that should not be compromised by misleading arguments, false narratives, or edicts from the Senate. I look forward to engaging with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we move to markup."

Discussion draft text of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 here https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/discussion_draft_ffns.pdf.

An updated title-by-title summary can be found here https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf.

To view additional details on the 2024 Farm Bill as they become available, visit: agriculture.house.gov/FarmBill.




AFBF Appreciates Release of House Farm Bill Text

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the release of a farm bill draft in the House Agriculture Committee.

“AFBF appreciates the work of Chairman Thompson and the entire House Agriculture Committee for its work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill.

“America’s farmers and ranchers need the stability that the farm bill provides so they can withstand the unforeseen challenges of growing the food, fuel and fiber America’s families rely on. Conservation and research programs help farmers protect the resources they’ve been entrusted with and enable American agriculture to remain on the forefront of innovation. Nutrition programs also give a helping hand to families struggling to make ends meet.

“We look forward to taking a deep dive into the House farm bill draft in advance of next week’s markup. We hope to see the Senate Agriculture Committee’s version soon so we can move forward with getting the farm bill passed. It’s too important to wait. America’s families are counting on Congress to get this done.”



NFU Statement on Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement on the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024, released today by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).  

 “Family farmers and ranchers need a strong farm safety net and opportunities for the next generation. We thank Chairman Thompson for today’s progress toward a new five-year farm bill that can achieve those goals.  

“NFU appreciates the draft’s commodity program improvements and enhancements to crop insurance, which will provide better risk management tools to more farmers and cover more acres. We urge the committee to avoid nutrition program provisions that would harm the most vulnerable among us and to build upon popular climate-focused conservation tools that help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change. These changes would broaden the coalition we know is needed to pass a final bill. We also support strengthening provisions to foster a fairer, more competitive ag marketplace.

“We look forward to next week’s markup and the continuation of the farm bill process.”

At the NFU Convention held in March 2024, delegates approved a special order of business outlining the organization’s priorities for the 2024 Farm Bill, including:   

·     Advancing NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign priorities focused on increasing competition in the marketplace.  
·     Maintaining and improving the farm safety net.  
·     Strengthening conservation programs and expanding renewable energy opportunities.  
·     Expanding and enhancing permanent disaster assistance programs, and   
·     Strengthening the dairy safety net.



NPPC Secure Pork Priorities in House Farm Bill
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauds the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s unveiling of its 2024 Farm Bill.
 
“America’s pork producers appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson’s willingness to listen, put pen to paper, and address the most pressing issues facing the agriculture industry across the country – a prime example of how our government should work,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn. “The inclusion of pork producers’ top priorities in the 2024 House Farm Bill is a testament to our industry’s ability to unite and speak up about our common challenges.”
 
NPPC successfully advocated to include pork producers’ priorities in the House Farm Bill, including:
    A legislative solution to the host of problems triggered by California’s Proposition 12.
        A 2018 California ballot initiative, Proposition 12, prohibits the sale of uncooked whole pork meat not produced according to the state’s arbitrary housing dimensions. Recent USDA data indicates price spikes as high as 41% for pork in California.
    Preservation of necessary resources to protect the nation’s food supply through foreign animal disease (FAD) prevention, including:
        National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
        National Animal Health Laboratory Network
        National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
        National Veterinary Stockpile
    Increase in market access programs for U.S. pork.
        The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) build export markets for U.S. agricultural products through generic marketing and promotion and the reduction of foreign import constraints. For every $1 spent on MAP and FMD programs, U.S. agriculture saw $24.50 in export gains and contributed to the creation of 225,800 full-and part-time jobs across the U.S. economy.
    Boost in resources for feral swine eradication to protect the health of our herds.
        Established in the 2018 Farm Bill, the hugely successful Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program helps address the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, ecosystems, and human and animal health, especially through FADs like African swine fever.
    Authorization of the National Detector Dog Training Center.
        The center is the primary training facility for the “Beagle Brigade,” which serves as the first line of defense for early detection at the nation’s ports of entry and is critical in keeping foreign animal diseases, like African swine fever, out of the United States.

NPPC urges the House Agriculture Committee to swiftly consider and pass this Farm Bill, so pork producers have the certainty to continue their operations to the next generation.

Though the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has yet to reveal its full Farm Bill text, NPPC urges timely publication and consideration of a Senate Farm Bill that addresses the above priorities.



Public Comment Sought on New Bayer CropScience Dicamba Herbicide

EPA has received an application from Bayer CropScience LP for a new product containing the currently registered active ingredient dicamba. The proposed product includes use of dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. Because the application involves a new use pattern for dicamba, the Agency is required to provide a 30-day public comment period on the registration applications consistent with FIFRA 3(c)(4). EPA is also seeking comment on the associated draft labeling that was submitted by Bayer, which is available in the docket.

The proposed labels would allow application to dicamba-tolerant soybeans made before, during, or immediately after planting until emergence of the seedling, but no later than June 12 of each year. Application to dicamba-tolerant cotton in this proposal would be allowed before, during, immediately after planting, or over the top of the cotton plant, but no later than July 30 of each year. Please review Bayer’s proposed label for additional details.

Like all opportunities for public comment associated with notices of receipt of applications, this action should not be interpreted as a registrant proposal that has been endorsed for future approval by EPA. Should EPA determine that this or any other registrant-submitted application including over-the-top dicamba meets the standard for registration of a new use under FIFRA, EPA will provide a separate opportunity for public comment on the proposed decision at a future time.

To read more about the registration application proposed by Bayer and submit a comment, see docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0154 on Regulations.gov. The public comment period will close 30 days after the publication date in the Federal Register. EPA will review public comments as part of the proposed application process and incorporate any feedback into the registration decision.



Corn Growers Disappointed in ITC Decision on Herbicide Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission today agreed to advance a petition by Corteva Agribusiness to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D shipped from China and India.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said the decision will impact farmers.

“We are disappointed that ITC did not listen to the feedback from farmers about how harmful these tariffs could be to rural America,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “Corn prices are already low and input costs have been rising. This decision will only compound our problems.”

Six of the nation’s major commodity groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission in April encouraging it to vote against advancing a petition.

Growers have said the imports covered by this case are the major sources of supply other than Corteva, which is the only U.S. manufacturer, and that America’s farmers cannot rely upon a sole domestic supplier of 2,4-D to meet nearly all the market’s needs.

Duties on 2,4-D imports from the two countries would intensify what is already a difficult period for many growers as key input costs continue to increase.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting record-high farm production cash expenses for 2024. At the same time, crop values are declining. USDA projects total cash receipts for crops in 2024 will be 11.7% lower than 2022.

NCGA intends to continue to engage in this case as it goes to the next stage, including the final phase at the U.S. International Trade Commission early next year.



NPPC Participates in Mexican Pork Congress
 
National Pork Producers Council President and Minnesota pork producer Lori Stevermer, President-elect and Ohio pork producer Duane Stateler, Vice President and Iowa pork producer Rob Brenneman, and Past President and Missouri pork producer Scott Hays — who chairs NPPC’s Trade Policy Committee — participated in the Third Intercontinental Congress of Pig Farmers May 14-18 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys and Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba also attended the meeting.
 
The Congress saw representatives from pork industries around the world gathered to discuss the challenges for the industry, as well as best practices that help boost the business. There also were talks on pressing issues such as animal health, biosecurity succession planning, and sustainability practices. NPPC also accepted the invitation from the Mexican pork organization Opormex to be the honored guest for the 2025 Congress.
 
At the beginning of the Congress, officers of the pork organizations in Canada, Mexico, and the United States — respectively, the Canadian Pork Council, Opormex, and NPPC — held a trilateral meeting to address issues of importance to pork production in North America. Among the topics raised were animal welfare and health and the need for organizations to collaborate to reduce the risk of animal diseases.
 
The Mexican Pork Congress is an opportunity for pork industry representatives to exchange ideas, discuss mutual challenges and possible solutions, and explore areas of common interest.
 
The U.S. pork industry enjoys mutually beneficial relationships with Canada and Mexico, making it imperative the three countries share information and maintain communication. Mexico was the No. 1 volume and value market for U.S. pork producers in 2023. Canada was the No. 4 market, taking just under 220,000 MT valued at about $876 million.
 


NPPC’s Johnson Defends Judicious Antimicrobial Use at U.N. Hearing
 
National Pork Producers Council's Dr. Ashley Johnson, director of food policy, spoke at the United Nations’ multi-stakeholder hearing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
 
In background notes on the hearing, the U.N. said that “[w]hile some progress has been achieved over the past years, AMR remains a significant health and developmental challenge, being listed as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.”
 
In the hearing’s session on livestock, Dr. Johnson defended pork producers’ stewardship of antimicrobial use, highlighting the industry’s track record of and commitment to working with veterinarians to judiciously use antimicrobials, training farm employees in Pork Quality Assurance Plus, and more. Dr. Johnson stressed NPPC’s importance of being a scientific voice to combat ideas of global antimicrobial standards, surveillance, and other potential initiatives that would undermine producer-veterinarian partnerships and subsequent decisions for herd health.
 
A summary of the hearing will be used as a resource for a “high-level” U.N. meeting on AMR scheduled for Sept. 26, 2024.
 
Pork producers care deeply about the health and well-being of their animals and have a moral obligation to raise them humanely and compassionately. Healthy animals ensure safe food for consumers. NPPC advocates for science-based approaches to swine health and production and opposes efforts to dictate on-farm production practices.
 
The multi-stakeholder hearing provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing preparatory process for a high-level U.N. meeting on AMR. Participants exchanged views on key priorities for that meeting and explored challenges and potential solutions needed for effectively addressing AMR.